The 9 Best Neighborhoods to Live in Baltimore

Baltimore, Bawlmer, BMore, or Charm City, however you call it, is a beautiful and historic city in Maryland. Home to the Washington Museum, the National Aquarium, the best crab cakes you can get, and the superhuman that is Michael Phelps.

Baltimore’s history goes beyond being the birthplace of the United States National anthem and the Star-Spangled Banner house. It’s also the location of the very first umbrella factory–if you’re not too keen on rain, you might not like the reason for this. It’s also the birthplace of sports clothing giant, Under Armor. In BMore you’ll also find the biggest free arts festival in the country, Artscape, celebrated since 1982.

With everything that Baltimore has to offer, and the more than 200 neighborhoods it has, finding the one for you is no easy task.

To help you find the perfect neighborhood–one where you can have the best of the land, the sea, and the beer–we've put together a comprehensive list of 9 top neighborhoods to consider. Even better, we've built a ranking system for each one to make this decision feel like a walk through Patterson Park:

• Atmosphere: nightlife & entertainment, shopping & restaurants, and beauty & parks

• Amenities: schools, public transit, and points of interest

• Experience: safety, affordability, and walkability

The result is a prioritized list of the best places to move to in Baltimore, Maryland.

Why should you listen to us? We might not have as many monuments as Baltimore, but we definitely have plenty of experience that’s helped us supply top-ranked rentals across the US.

Perfect for those that enjoy a charming and serene neighborhood and don’t mind being on the outskirts of Baltimore.

Roland Park is the first planned suburb community, not only in Baltimore, but in the United States. The architecture in the area gives us a sense of living in a beautiful past, where colonial, craftsman and Tudor houses were a daily sight. However, there are also new apartments and townhouses giving a fresh spark to this neighborhood.

Roland Park has a wide variety of restaurants and shops, but the main attraction in this neighborhood is how quiet it is. It’s ideal for those that enjoy quieter evenings or that are planning to grow the family soon.

Although the neighborhood is not the most affordable, receiving a two out of five in Affordability, it isn’t without reason. There are gourmet food stores, contemporary restaurants offering delicious world fusion cuisines, and boutique shops everywhere.

Among the leafy streets decorated with late-Victorian homes, there is the Stony Run Park–a haven for cyclists and joggers that like their breath to run quicker than the nearby stream.

For St. Mary’s Seminary and University, Roland Park is the ideal place to live since its close proximity means no time spent in traffic.

For golf lovers, this neighborhood is a great find, it has the Baltimore Country club with a golf course, and fancy-looking eating and drinking areas for those that enjoy some upscale weekend fun–like a drink with the gals on Saturday or a game of poker with friends.

Roland Park is a charming and serene neighborhood for those that don’t mind having a 40-minute commute to downtown Baltimore, and it’s a great spot for brilliant kids.

Rankings: Weighted rankings were determined by scoring neighborhoods on a scale of 1-5 in the following categories, with 5 being the best.

Here's how Roland Park scored:

• Affordability: 💸 💸

• Beauty & Parks: 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳

• Nightlife & Entertainment: 🎉 🎉

• Points of Interest: 📍 📍 📍

• Public Transit: 🚃 🚃

• Safety: ✅ ✅ ✅ ✅ ✅

• Schools: 🍎 🍎 🍎 🍎 🍎

• Shopping & Restaurants: 🛍 🛍

• Walkability: 🚶🏽‍♀️ 🚶🏽‍♀️ 🚶🏽‍♀️ 🚶🏽‍♀️

Perfect for young couples and professionals looking for a homey vibe and nature-filled parks.

Parkville is an unincorporated community in Baltimore County. It’s a very tight-knit community where everyone takes care of each other.

Doing justice to its name, there are plenty of parks in Parkville–getting a well deserved four out of five in Beauty and Parks. In Parkville you’ll find Belmont Park, a perfect spot to enjoy a picnic or a game of football or baseball. The Weber’s Cider Mill Farm is best known for its hayrides. Additionally, just off the edge of Parkville, you have Double Rock Park, the perfect place to enjoy nature—with or without your furry friends.

The main hang-out of this neighborhood is Hartford Road. It has everything you need, so you don’t have to take the 40-50 minutes drive that it would take you to go to Downtown Baltimore. Antique shops, nice restaurants, local pharmacies, and other important local amenities can all be found in Hartford Road.

Parkville is a great place to consider if you want to be in a quieter area of Baltimore, but still have everything you need, and some great nature on the side!

Rankings: Weighted rankings were determined by scoring neighborhoods on a scale of 1-5 in the following categories, with 5 being the best.

Here's how Parkville scored:

• Affordability: 💸 💸 💸

• Beauty & Parks: 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳

• Nightlife & Entertainment: 🎉 🎉 🎉

• Points of Interest: 📍 📍 📍

• Public Transit: 🚃 🚃

• Safety: ✅ ✅ ✅ ✅

• Schools: 🍎 🍎 🍎 🍎

• Shopping & Restaurants: 🛍 🛍 🛍 🛍

• Walkability: 🚶🏽‍♀️ 🚶🏽‍♀️ 🚶🏽‍♀️ 🚶🏽‍♀️

Perfect for singles and young professionals that are Raven’s fans.

South Baltimore, or SoBo, is one of the best places to live as a young single professional in Baltimore. Although it offers almost anything a young person would like to have, its two out of five in Affordability stop it from being at the very top of our list. However, let’s see what’s so great about it.

SoBo has a large population of residents that are between the ages of 25 and 35, this is great news for those single and ready to mingle Bungalow folk. It gets better if you’re a Raven’s fan, as this neighborhood has your name written all over the place. Thanks to the M&T Bank Museum that’s just a stone's throw away, you’ll be able to catch all the home Raven’s games you can.

For some more alternative thrill-seekers, you have the Horseshoe Casino to try your luck, or skills, at some blackjack or poker. If your idea of fun is to move your body under a sunny sky, there’s the Riverside Park, perfect for jogging, picnicking, and even swimming.

In terms of food and watering holes, you’ll find good options here in SoBo. Tempted by some good old street tacos and margaritas? Bandito’s Bar & Kitchen is your place. Craving some Bavarian beer and snacks? Das Bier Haus is right on der corner. Last but not least, if you enjoy a drink with a view, South Point is the place to be. These places, and the many others you can discover, give this area a four out of five in Shopping and Restaurants, and a shiny perfect score in Nightlife and Entertainment.

Crime used to be pretty bad in the area, but it’s now improving and has achieved a score of three out of five, you’ll be fine in your day to day, just remember to lock your doors and be careful where you park your car–unless you were looking to have one window less for the summer heat.

All and all, South Baltimore is a great place to be for young, single professionals that like football and to be just a 10-minute drive away from downtown.

Rankings: Weighted rankings were determined by scoring neighborhoods on a scale of 1-5 in the following categories, with 5 being the best.

Here's how South Baltimore scored:

• Affordability: 💸 💸

• Beauty & Parks: 🌳 🌳 🌳

• Nightlife & Entertainment: 🎉 🎉 🎉 🎉 🎉

• Points of Interest: 📍 📍 📍 📍

• Public Transit: 🚃 🚃 🚃 🚃 🚃

• Safety: ✅ ✅ ✅

• Schools: 🍎 🍎 🍎

• Shopping & Restaurants: 🛍 🛍 🛍 🛍

• Walkability: 🚶🏽‍♀️ 🚶🏽‍♀️ 🚶🏽‍♀️ 🚶🏽‍♀️

Perfect for students and young professionals looking to live in a prime location and enjoy the outdoors.

Towson is part of Baltimore County and is located to the north-west of Baltimore. One of the best things it offers is its location: a 25-minute drive to downtown, and a 30-minute drive to the airport.

Besides being in a prime location, Towson has even more on offer. For example, shopping-till-you-drop can be your new sport here—it won’t be in the Olympics anytime soon but it’ll definitely keep you active. This is thanks to the many malls, but especially to the Towson Town Center Mall and The Shops at Kenilworth, in Towson you’ll find all types of brands, from high-end luxury brands to the everyday ones you can think of.

Plus, there are plenty of restaurants to give you enough energy to carry all those shopping bags. This amazingly varied shopping mecca experience gives it a fashionable five out of five in Shopping and Restaurants.

Fresh air and green spaces more your thing? Look no further. Towson is a perfect location for outdoor activities. There’s the Towson Bike Beltway, where cyclists can enjoy a sightseeing bike ride and take in some of Maryland’s charming nature. There’s also the Country Club of Maryland and Baltimore County golf, for those that want to show off their swing.

Students of Towson University fill the area and ignite the nightlife thanks to the campus being located here. This also means that during term time the nightlife is alive and kicking, but once the holidays arrive the area settles down in a more laid back atmosphere.

In terms of healthcare, Towson is, again, a prime location. There are three hospitals in the area to treat whatever pain or ache you might have.

Towson is truly a great place to consider in the Baltimore county area. It has a mini-city vibe with a small-town charm. Towson is perfect for students, professionals and families too.

Rankings: Weighted rankings were determined by scoring neighborhoods on a scale of 1-5 in the following categories, with 5 being the best.

Here's how Towson scored:

• Affordability: 💸 💸 💸

• Beauty & Parks: 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳

• Nightlife & Entertainment: 🎉 🎉 🎉 🎉

• Points of Interest: 📍 📍 📍 📍

• Public Transit: 🚃 🚃 🚃

• Safety: ✅ ✅ ✅ ✅

• Schools: 🍎 🍎 🍎 🍎

• Shopping & Restaurants: 🛍 🛍 🛍 🛍 🛍

• Walkability: 🚶🏽‍♀️ 🚶🏽‍♀️ 🚶🏽‍♀️ 🚶🏽‍♀️

Perfect for those looking for a neighborhood with a lot of character; packed with independent restaurants and shops.

Hampden, the place where blue-collar life meets hipster kitsch. Hampden is the bohemian side of Baltimore. 20-30-Somethings fill the streets and enjoy the abundant supply of independently owned establishments, from restaurants to shops. Whether you're single, or taken, you’ll fall in love with this neighborhood for sure.

Hampden has a very chilled out, easy-going community. Here, you’ll find community gardens, recreational parks with skating facilities, and an ongoing stream of colorful murals that give this area a lot of character. Plus, thanks to the perfect score in Walkability, you’ll be able to reach all these places by foot.

The Avenue is the main hub of Hampden. In it, you’ll find art galleries, independent restaurants, boutique stores, and plenty of cool looking bars to plan the perfect date. In Hampden, there’s a community favorite restaurant called Golden West Café where you can find breakfast, lunch and dinner options for all tastes and styles; for vegans to carnivores.

Near Hampden you can find the Baltimore Zoo, Wyman Park and John Hopkins university.

One of the things you’ll love once you’re a resident here is the many events it offers. The famous annual street fair—HonFest—celebrates the Baltimore lifestyle and stereotype. There’s also the Miracle on 34th Street, a Christmas lights extravaganza that shines so bright you’ll need a pair of sunglasses to enjoy! Last, but not least, there’s the Hampdenfest in Fall, to celebrate a little bit more of the Baltimore art and kitsch scene.

If you’re looking for a trendy, cool, and hipster neighborhood, this is the area for you, hon!

Rankings: Weighted rankings were determined by scoring neighborhoods on a scale of 1-5 in the following categories, with 5 being the best.

Here's how Hampden scored:

• Affordability: 💸 💸 💸

• Beauty & Parks: 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳

• Nightlife & Entertainment: 🎉 🎉 🎉 🎉 🎉

• Points of Interest: 📍 📍 📍 📍 📍

• Public Transit: 🚃 🚃 🚃

• Safety: ✅ ✅ ✅ ✅

• Schools: 🍎 🍎 🍎 🍎

• Shopping & Restaurants: 🛍 🛍 🛍 🛍 🛍

Perfect for single, young professionals looking for a happening area with the best of Baltimore: city and harbor living.

Federal Hill is the perfect Baltimore neighborhood for young professionals that love to see some amazing skyline views and to experience the harbor lifestyle–it’s in our joint third place for many reasons, let’s see why!

Federal Hill has the Federal Hill Park, where you can enjoy a game of catch with your two-legged or four-legged friends. It also offers a great way to burn all the delicious seafood you’ll be having in Baltimore with a sightseeing jog around the park.

The feeling of being surrounded by trees, having a view of the harbor, and the impressive Baltimore skyline is truly worth every cent–and that might be quite a few cents as it scores a three out of five in Affordability.

Federal Hill offers its residents fast access to the rest of Baltimore, and even to Washington DC, thanks to the I-95. This, and its public transportation system, gives the neighborhood a four out of five in Public Transit.

Federal Hill is a charming and historic neighborhood that is super walkable and has about everything you need as a young professional in town. The Cross Street Market is the perfect place to go grab some authentic food with friends from a wealth of independent vendors. Its outside seating area is ideal to enjoy the over 30-degrees of toastiness you’ll bask in during Baltimore summers.

If you get tired of all the food–is that even possible?–and want to explore some other things that this part of the city offers, you’ll be happy to know that there are loads of cultural places to visit, like the Visionary Art Museum, the Baltimore Museum of Industry and the Maryland Science Center.

Whether it‘s by yourself, with your friends, or with your most recent Bumble date, you’ll always find something to do in Federal Hill. The only downside you’ll encounter in this area is the lack of parking, thankfully with its perfect score in Walkability you won’t need to worry about that too often.

If you’re single, like the city views but don’t want to live in the middle of the hustle and bustle of Baltimore, Federal Hills might be a great find for you.

Rankings: Weighted rankings were determined by scoring neighborhoods on a scale of 1-5 in the following categories, with 5 being the best.

Here's how Federal Hill scored:

• Affordability: 💸 💸 💸

• Beauty & Parks: 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳

• Nightlife & Entertainment: 🎉 🎉 🎉 🎉 🎉

• Points of Interest: 📍 📍 📍 📍 📍

• Public Transit: 🚃 🚃 🚃 🚃

• Safety: ✅ ✅ ✅ ✅

• Schools: 🍎 🍎 🍎 🍎

• Shopping & Restaurants: 🛍 🛍 🛍 🛍 🛍

• Walkability: 🚶🏽‍♀️ 🚶🏽‍♀️ 🚶🏽‍♀️ 🚶🏽‍♀️ 🚶🏽‍♀️

Perfect for young professionals that want to live in a historic yet hip neighborhood of Baltimore–even better if you love seafood!

Fells Point and the East Harbor have everything you can expect Baltimore to offer: fresh and delicious seafood, water fun by the harbor, and history oozing from every corner. It definitely deserves the third spot in our ranking, ahoy!

Founded in 1763, Fells Point offers unique views and vibes. Stepping inside this neighborhood feels like stepping back in time. Although it offers everything a modern-day city has–urban dwellers need not to worry–it’s still nice to feel the historic side of Baltimore in this neighborhood.

In Fells Point, you can wow your visiting family and friends by taking them to the Hard Rock Café inside a renovated power plant right by the harbor. Or, take them to the National Aquarium, or a visit back-in-time to the US Lightship Chesapeake–one of a small number of preserved lightships in the country. Want more? Why not discover the scandalous past of Baltimore’s underworld at the Fells Point Wicked History Pub Tour.

Needing some well deserved retail therapy? Worry not. In Fells Point you’ll find mom-and-pop shops as well as any of the big chain brands you can think of. After all, Fells Point gets a fabulous five in Shopping and Restaurants.

Speaking of food, if you’re into seafood you will not be disappointed. Thanks to the wide offer of taverns and restaurants plating up seafood and the signature Chesapeake Bay crab and oysters, Fells Point is Baltimore’s go-to seafood haven. Little tip, visit Thames Street Oyster House for some of the best oysters of your life!

If you ever get tired of all the maritime-themed things to do in the neighborhood, you can hop on a bike, or start your step counter, and go to Patterson Park. In this iconic park of Baltimore you’ll find an observatory, a dog park, and loads of greenery to take from feeling like Captain Hook to Tarzan in just a second; Disney fantasy complete.

Fells Point and the East Harbor really have everything you can wish for from Baltimore. History, music festivals, unique shops and fine seafood dining. If you’re looking for a city vibe with a historic touch by the sea, put the area on your list.

Rankings: Weighted rankings were determined by scoring neighborhoods on a scale of 1-5 in the following categories, with 5 being the best.

Here's how Fells Point & East Harbor scored:

• Affordability: 💸 💸 💸

• Beauty & Parks: 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳

• Nightlife & Entertainment: 🎉 🎉 🎉 🎉 🎉

• Points of Interest: 📍 📍 📍 📍 📍

• Public Transit: 🚃 🚃 🚃 🚃 🚃

• Safety: ✅ ✅ ✅ ✅

• Schools: 🍎 🍎 🍎

• Shopping & Restaurants: 🛍 🛍 🛍 🛍 🛍

• Walkability: 🚶🏽‍♀️ 🚶🏽‍♀️ 🚶🏽‍♀️ 🚶🏽‍♀️ 🚶🏽‍♀️

Perfect for those looking to live in a waterfront neighborhood with a nice mix of urban city living and suburban amenities.

Second place, let’s go! Canton. Canton truly has it all. From water sports, to dog parks, from ice cream parlors to seafood festivals. In this area you’ll be able to live in one of the most diverse neighborhoods of town and get the best of Baltimore.

The first thing you’ll notice about Canton is that thanks to its rich history, you won’t find a cookie cutter home in sight. They’re all unique, some are brand new luxury condos, some are historic houses on the outside with a new finish on the inside.

The second thing you’ll immediately notice about Canton is its balance of greenery with water-front spaces. All through the neighborhood you’ll find a number of parks to enjoy a picnic or walk with your dog. Plus, Patterson Park is just around the corner and will provide your nature fix.

As a waterfront neighborhood, you’ll love the harbor views and the promenade that can take you all the way to Locust Point on the other side of the harbor. You’ll also have access to the Canton Waterfront Park where you can go fishing or boating, and where you’ll find events like the summer concerts series at WTMD’s First Thursdays, and the annual Baltimore Seafood Festival.

Boston Street and Canton Square are the main hubs of this neighborhood where you’ll find food, drink and entertainment just meters away from each other. This gives this neighborhood a perfect five in Shopping and Restaurants.

What turned into a ghost town when the local rust belt industry dried up, is now one of the most up-and-coming neighborhoods in Baltimore. In it, you’ll find a rich urban city lifestyle and all the suburban amenities you can imagine, like clubs and sports centers, to give you the perfect work-life balance.

Rankings: Weighted rankings were determined by scoring neighborhoods on a scale of 1-5 in the following categories, with 5 being the best.

Here's how Canton scored:

• Affordability: 💸 💸 💸

• Beauty & Parks: 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳

• Nightlife & Entertainment: 🎉 🎉 🎉 🎉

• Points of Interest: 📍 📍 📍 📍 📍

• Public Transit: 🚃 🚃 🚃 🚃 🚃

• Safety: ✅ ✅ ✅ ✅ ✅

• Schools: 🍎 🍎 🍎 🍎

• Shopping & Restaurants: 🛍 🛍 🛍 🛍 🛍

• Walkability: 🚶🏽‍♀️ 🚶🏽‍♀️ 🚶🏽‍♀️ 🚶🏽‍♀️ 🚶🏽‍♀️

Perfect for young professionals and students looking to live right next to downtown Baltimore.

Midtown and Mount Vernon are a cultural and historical district of Baltimore. In it, you’ll find historic gems and the perfect setting for your best years in Bmore. It ranks at the top of our list thanks to everything on offer and its great affordability.

Whether you’re a University of Baltimore student, or just a young professional in Baltimore, you’ll be glad to call Midtown and Mount Vernon your home. In these areas you’ll find a nice mix of hip urban vibes with centuries-old establishments and monuments.

The Washington Monument located at the heart of Mount Vernon is not only a great tourist attraction to bring your friends and family to, but it’s also a great way to get that booty working. Get in your Lululemon gear, grab your favorite pair of sneakers, and climb the 227 marble steps to the top of the monument where you’ll have a breathtaking view of Baltimore.

For a quiet Sunday afternoon you can visit the Walters Art Museum–if you’re single this might be a great first date—try it out and let us know. There’s also the Peabody Library to have a quiet moment or to go read your favorite saga–tell people it’s Dickens or de Balzac, but feel free to read some J. K. Rowling in there too!

The old Hotel Belvedere is no longer a hotel, it’s now one of the best places to go for a special occasion. There’s The Owl Bar, perfect to snag some charcuterie and have a fancy drink. You can also get dinner at The 13th Floor, where you’ll have amazing views of the city while you delight your palate with some tasty food.

As the cultural districts that Midtown and Mount Vernon are, you’ll have all the cultural events you can think of–theaters, art galleries, music venues, and libraries are all within walking distance for you. This gives this area a shiny score in all entertainment categories.

A little fun fact: Mount Vernon was the launching site of the first US manned balloon launch, operated by 13-year old Edward Warren in 1784. Not a bad thing to make your party trick whenever you go visit your family or friends.

Although Baltimore has had a bad reputation for its safety, Midtown and Mount Vernon are among the safest areas, scoring a five out of five in Safety.

The nightlife in Midtown and Mount Vernon is exactly what you’ll want when you’re young and ready to leave your worries on the dance floor. Taste some incredible house-brewed pale ales at The Brewer’s Art, or hit the Grand Central Nightclub for pub trivias, drag shows, karaoke and funky-themed nights.

Overall, Midtown and Mount Vernon are the best neighborhoods for us in Baltimore. The area’s proximity to Downtown and to the inner harbor, and all the amenities available, will make any new resident feel as welcomed and comfortable as can be in Baldamore.

Rankings: Weighted rankings were determined by scoring neighborhoods on a scale of 1-5 in the following categories, with 5 being the best.

Here's how Midtown & Mount Vernon scored:

• Affordability: 💸 💸 💸 💸 💸

• Beauty & Parks: 🌳 🌳 🌳

• Nightlife & Entertainment: 🎉 🎉 🎉 🎉 🎉

• Points of Interest: 📍 📍 📍 📍 📍

• Public Transit: 🚃 🚃 🚃 🚃

• Safety: ✅ ✅ ✅ ✅ ✅

• Schools: 🍎 🍎 🍎

• Shopping & Restaurants: 🛍 🛍 🛍 🛍 🛍

• Walkability: 🚶🏽‍♀️ 🚶🏽‍♀️ 🚶🏽‍♀️ 🚶🏽‍♀️ 🚶🏽‍♀️

Time to look at the numbers of our top neighborhoods in Baltimore, Maryland.

Let’s look at the lower numbers first. Affordability and Schools averaged threes out of five. Baltimore has seen an increase in prices thanks to the increase of appeal in recent years. However, although it has some great schools, you won’t find them in all the neighborhoods, especially not the ones that are closer to downtown and more geared towards young professionals.

Now, let’s look at the highlights. Beauty and Parks, Shopping and Restaurants, Nightlife and Entertainment, Points of Interest, and Walkability all score above 4.5 out of five–pretty impressive. After all, it is a booming city that offers waterfront fun, urban greatness and history-rich sites, what else can you ask for?

Baltimore averaged at 42.5/50 on our best neighborhoods to live in the USA ranking.

Despite having a reputation for not being the safest city, these neighborhoods have seen great improvement in recent years. As long as you still keep some city-life awareness about you, you’ll be able to enjoy Charm City without a worry.

If you’ve ever wanted to live in one of America’s most history-rich cities, and love great seafood and an up-and-coming area, Baltimore might be your next chapter.